Rotatable and extendable deployment system

Abstract

Embodiments are directed to an aircraft, such as a tiltrotor, having an internal payload storage area. A rotatable deployment system is mounted within the payload storage area. The rotatable deployment system comprises a frame that is configured to rotate between a stowed position and a deployment position. Two extendible arms are attached to the frame, wherein each extendible arm is configured to move in opposite directions between a retracted position and a plurality of extended positions. Each extendible arm has a fixed end and a moving end. A payload mounting point on each moving end. The payload mounting point allows a payload to pan and tilt in azimuth and elevation.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A deployment system, comprising:
 a rotatable frame configured to rotate between a stowed position and a deployment position; 
 at least one extendible arm attached to the frame, the extendible arm configured to move between a retracted position and a plurality of extended positions, the extendible arm having a fixed end and a moving end; and 
 a payload mounting point on the moving end. 
 
     
     
       2. The deployment system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 at least one actuator connected between the rotatable frame and the at least one extendible arm and configured to move the extendible arm between the retracted position and the plurality of extended positions. 
 
     
     
       3. The deployment system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a payload coupled to the payload mounting point. 
 
     
     
       4. The deployment system of  claim 3 , wherein the payload comprises one or more of a camera, a thermal imaging sensor, a targeting pod, a loud speaker, a spotlight, and a weapon. 
     
     
       5. The deployment system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one extendible arm is configured to move between the retracted position and the plurality of extended positions only if the rotatable frame is in the deployment position. 
     
     
       6. The deployment system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 two extendible arms attached to the frame, the extendible arms configured to move in opposite directions symmetrically between the retracted position and the plurality of extended positions. 
 
     
     
       7. The deployment system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 two extendible arms attached to the frame, the extendible arms configured to move in opposite directions asymmetrically between the retracted position and the plurality of extended positions. 
 
     
     
       8. The deployment system of  claim 1 , wherein the payload mounting point allows a payload to pan and tilt in azimuth and elevation. 
     
     
       9. An aircraft, comprising:
 an internal payload storage area; 
 a rotatable deployment system mounted within the payload storage area, the rotatable deployment system comprising a frame configured to rotate between a stowed position and a deployment position; 
 two extendible arms attached to the frame, each extendible arm configured to move in opposite directions between a retracted position and a plurality of extended positions, each extendible arm having a fixed end and a moving end; and 
 a payload mounting point on each moving end. 
 
     
     
       10. The aircraft of  claim 9 , further comprising:
 actuators connected between the rotatable frame and each extendible arm and configured to move each extendible arm between the retracted position and the plurality of extended positions. 
 
     
     
       11. The aircraft of  claim 9 , wherein each extendible arm is configured to move between the retracted position and the plurality of extended positions only if the rotatable deployment system is in the deployment position. 
     
     
       12. The aircraft of  claim 9 , wherein the extendible arms move symmetrically. 
     
     
       13. The aircraft of  claim 9 , wherein the extendible arms move asymmetrically. 
     
     
       14. The aircraft of  claim 9 , wherein the payload mounting point allows a payload to pan and tilt in azimuth and elevation. 
     
     
       15. The aircraft of  claim 9 , further comprising:
 openings to the internal payload storage area on opposite sides of an aircraft fuselage, the openings positioned to allow the moving ends of the extendible arms to extend outside the aircraft. 
 
     
     
       16. The aircraft of  claim 15 , further comprising:
 a payload coupled to each payload mounting point. 
 
     
     
       17. The aircraft of  claim 16 , wherein the payload comprises one or more of a camera, a thermal imaging sensor, a targeting pod, a loud speaker, a spotlight, and a weapon. 
     
     
       18. The aircraft of  claim 16 , wherein a selected payload is positioned between the aircraft fuselage and a proprotor arc. 
     
     
       19. The aircraft of  claim 16 , wherein a selected payload is positioned between the aircraft fuselage and a proprotor downwash. 
     
     
       20. The aircraft of  claim 15 , further comprising:
 doors configured to cover the openings.